Wisconsin State Park System Mountain-Bay State Trail

The Mountain-Bay State Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin. The trail travels for 83 miles between the two geologic features it is named for; Rib Mountain and Green Bay. On the western end, the trail ends in Weston, just east of Wausau. On the eastern end, the trail ends at Howard Memorial Park near the city of Green Bay. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River, where local roads are utilized.

The trail is operated and maintained by Marathon, Shawano and Brown counties. The trail passes through several small communities and a wide variety of landscapes including farmlands, forests and wetlands, and features numerous bridge crossings over rivers and streams.

Along the Marathon County portion of the trail, there is a series of twelve interpretive signs picturing early history of the county and the former rail line on which the trail is constructed. In Eland, the Mountain-Bay State Trail connects to the northern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail.

Trail activities

The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

• Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF]

Trail uses vary by county, remember to watch for postings along the trail or contact the county offices for more information.

Walking and bicycling

The level grade and smooth surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age Trail follows the Mountain-Bay State Trail corridor for about two miles between Ringle and Hatley in Marathon County.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is allowed in Shawano County only. Horses are not permitted on the trail in Marathon or Brown counties. Riders are asked to limit their use of the trail immediately following a heavy rainfall to reduce the amount of damage to the trail. Riders must pick up after their horse. Each rider age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail in Marathon and Shawano counties only. Snowmobiles are not permitted on the trail in Brown County. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The Mountain-Bay State Trail also connects to numerous miles of Marathon and Shawano county snowmobile trail systems.

The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

Directions

Marathon County: In Marathon County, the western terminus of the Mountain-Bay State Trail is in Weston, adjacent to the Weston Municipal Center at 5550 Municipal Street, Schofield, about 0.5 miles east on Schofield Avenue from the intersection with Camp Phillips Road (County Highway X). Parking is also available in Ringle, Hatley and Norrie. Marathon County trail map [exit DNR].

Shawano County: The trail roughly parallels State Highway 29 and parking is available along the trial in the communities of Eland, Bowler, Shawano and Bonduel. Rest rooms and support facilities are located at local parks within all the villages. There are several parking and pay box locations located along the trail. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River, where local roads are utilized. Shawano County recreation map [exit DNR].

Brown County: The eastern terminus of the trail is on Lakeview Drive, near State Highway 41. From Green Bay, take Velp Ave. west to Riverview Dr. Turn right on Riverview Drive and then left on Lakeview Drive. Continue on Lakeview Drive for about 0.2 miles. The eastern trail head is on the left side of the road and a small parking lot is on the right. Anston has another small parking lot off of Woodside Drive in Brown County. Both the Lakeview Drive and Anston Access parking lots contain portable rest rooms. Parking and accommodations are also available in Pulaski. Mountain-Bay State Trail in Brown County [exit DNR].

Friends Group and volunteering

• Friends of the Mountain-Bay State Trail [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• Green Bay [exit DNR]
• Shawano County [exit DNR]
• Wausau [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Mountain-Bay State Trail - Marathon County [exit DNR]
• Mountain-Bay State Trail - Shawano County [exit DNR]
• Mountain-Bay State Trail - Brown County [exit DNR]
• City of Wausau [exit DNR]
• Greater Green Bay and the Lakeshore [exit DNR]